"Request is under examination": MEA on extradition of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka
New Delhi, July 17
India on Friday said that Dhaka's request for the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is "under examination" given the legalities and the judicial processes involved.
Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following massive student-led protests that forced her resignation, has been living in New Delhi since then. Earlier in November 2025, the then Bangladesh interim government had written to the MEA seeking her extradition. Dhaka reiterated its request to extradite Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's visit to India in April this year.
During a press briefing in the national capital today, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have received a request for extradition. This request, as we have said earlier as well, is under examination, and the request is being taken into consideration, given the legalities that are involved and the judicial processes that are involved."
Last week, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that she, alongside other exiled leaders of the Awami League, intends to return to Bangladesh voluntarily around December, despite facing the stark prospect of arrest or death upon her arrival.
In an interview with Reuters, the 78-year-old leader stated that she plans to surrender before the judicial courts upon her return to Bangladesh. She further clarified that there has been no communication with the current authorities in Dhaka concerning her scheduled return.
"They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me," Sheikh Hasina told the Reuters. "Still, I have to go."
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing situation of her political supporters back home, the former Prime Minister emphasised her resolve to face the consequences on her home soil.
"My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed," she added.
Notably, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal had sentenced her to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity. The charges were tied to the state crackdown on the 2024 student-led demonstrations that ultimately led to the fall of her Awami League government, with the tribunal holding her accountable for ordering or failing to stop the fatalities of demonstrators during the political unrest.
In the same verdict, the tribunal handed a death sentence to former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and a five-year prison sentence to former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The judicial body additionally directed the state to confiscate the properties of both Sheikh Hasina and Kamal.
— ANI
Reader Comments
She fled here after the protests, and now she wants to go back voluntarily in December. That's a brave move, I must say. But the death sentence makes things complex. India should ensure she gets a fair trial if she returns - that's our moral responsibility as a democracy.
The MEA is in a tough spot. On one hand, we have a legal extradition request from Bangladesh. On the other, Hasina was a close ally of India for years. We cannot appear to be shielding her, but also cannot ignore the political persecution claims. Hope the judiciary gives a clear verdict soon. 🤔
I feel for the people of Bangladesh who suffered during the 2024 crackdown. But also, Sheikh Hasina is 78 years old and ready to face the consequences. The death sentence seems harsh for a political leader, even if she made mistakes. India should mediate diplomatically here - maybe push for life imprisonment instead of capital punishment.
As an outsider looking in, this seems like India is stuck between legal obligations and geopolitical realities. The MEA's response is appropriately cautious. But let's be honest - India has sheltered former leaders before (like the Sri Lankan president in 2022), so this isn't unprecedented. The December timeline will be interesting to watch.
Respect for her wanting to die on her own soil where her parents are buried - that's very Indian/Bengali sentiment, I get it. But the student protests were massive for a reason. She should have listened to the youth. Now both countries need to resolve this without damaging bilateral ties. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.